Responsible tourism

Responsible tourism: Bangkok to Singapore tour

Environment

This itinerary includes excursions and stops at places of breathtaking natural beauty, such as Khao Sok National Park, the Cameron Highlands and a rainforest island in the Andaman Sea - Phuket. In bringing travelers to these bio-diverse and wildlife-rich places, we are aware of the responsibility we have to ensure that the flora and fauna that inhabits these locations are not negatively affected. Our tour leaders will remind travelers not to take any litter such as plastic food packaging into National Parks and not to pick wildflowers or gather rocks. The entrance fee for Khao Sok National Park is included by us with this itinerary. Funds generated from these park fees go towards conservation efforts which we are keen to support since Khao Sok is home to endangered mammals like pangolins and tigers.

We also ask that travelers take caution with coral and marine life during our stay in Phuket. Itís important that we avoid touching the reefs, donít collect washed up coral or shells from beaches or go into areas are under environmental protection.

We use local transport, including an overnight sleeper train, to get travel around. Traveling in this way helps to minimise our impact on the local environment by reducing the overall carbon emissions of the trip. Using public transport also means we are not adding an extra vehicle to the road where a pooled service exists and travelers get the chance for more exposure to local life.

Community

On this tour travelers have the opportunity to explore the Malay peninsular and the three countries that share it. Surrounded by water, the peninsular is home to centuries old trading ports. This itinerary includes a heritage walk around Penang and a Rickshaw Tour of Melaka, introducing travelers to the history and architecture of this region.

Tour leaders will explain what etiquette and behaviour is required and expected by visitors to temples and other sacred places. Guidelines can be different from one community to the next, as we travel we aim to avoid offense and show respect to the cultural practices of our hosts. Our tour leaders are experienced and familiar with the different locations and cultures we interact with on this tour, which means that we are able to inform our groups and minimise friction and misunderstanding. Tour leaders will also introduce travelers to local restaurants and bars throughout the trip, helping travelers discover authentic local cuisine and support small local businesses.

Southeast Asia is famed for its street food and markets and we stop at a few along the way, giving travelers plenty of opportunity to support local merchants. We encourage visitors to purchase traditional handicrafts from local artisans rather than mass produced goods from chain stores, as you will learn more about the skill involved in the production, while also supporting artisans and their craft.